NVIDIA Ending 32-Bit Operating System Driver Support

NVIDIA is officially about to end driver support for 32-bit operating systems. The change will happen after release of GeForce driver version 390 in January. That version will be the last set which will contain official support for 32-bit versions of Windows 7, 8, 8.1, and 10, as well as Linux and FreeBSD. For many PC gamers who build their own systems, a 64-bit OS is essential. Especially if more RAM is necessary. In fact, according to the latest Steam Hardware survey, the top three operating systems for PC gamers are 64-bit Windows OSes. Those three comprise of 96.01% of all Steam users.

However, there are still those using a 32-bit Windows OS. This is about 2.04% of the Steam user base. The rest use OSX, Linux or others. Sometimes these are users who play on a laptop or an OEM system. These PCs come pre-loaded with the OS and the user just simply did not switch to a 64-bit version.

“Later driver release versions will not operate, nor install, on 32-bit operating systems. Driver enhancements, driver optimizations, and operating system features in driver versions after Release 390 will not be incorporated back into Release 390 or earlier versions,” according to NVIDIA.

NVS 310 and NVS 315 Driver Support Discontinued

Aside from dropping 32-bit driver support, NVIDIA is also ending support for NVS 310 and NVS315 graphics cards. These are Quadro Fermi GF119 architecture GPUs for business and commercial PCs. The NVS 310 launched on June 26, 2012 while the NVS 315 a year later on March 10.  Both cards are actually very similar in features with the exception of the NVS 315 having DMS-59 connectors instead of DisplayPort.